Robert “Bob” Burns is real estate and business lawyer having extensive experience in both transactional work and commercial litigation, with a practice split almost equally between them. As a former practicing CPA, Mr. Burns’ expertise extends over and beyond the law into a broad range of financial matters.

Capabilities

Biography

Bob Burns is a shareholder in the firm’s Boise office and leads the firm’s real estate practice in Idaho. His practice includes acquisitions and sales, commercial real estate lending, development, leasing, and conflicts over entitlement issues and commercial and residential property interests, including challenging property taxes and prosecuting and defending mechanic liens.

Mr. Burns has also represented business clients in a wide range of general business activities ranging from the formation of business entities to litigating their dissolution – and most everything in between.

Mr. Burns was selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America as "Lawyer of the Year" in 2016 in Boise for Real Estate, and in 2022 and 2024 in Boise for Litigation - Real Estate.

Before returning to the practice of law in the mid-90s, Mr. Burns was the president of the Los Angeles/Ventura Division of The Baldwin Company, then one of the largest home builders in California. As the general manager of one of the three operating divisions of this Southern California real estate company, Mr. Burns was responsible for the acquisition and development of five master-planned communities comprising approximately 6,500 residential units, together with ancillary commercial uses. Mr. Burns also developed several commercial projects in California and Idaho before joining The Baldwin Company.

Mr. Burns began practicing law in Houston, Texas, with Fulbright & Jaworski, an international law firm, in 1982. Prior to attending law school, he practiced as a certified public accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. in its Salt Lake City office.

Experience

Acquisition of Properties

Representing client in the organization of client entities and the acquisition of properties for the development of tunnel car washes, including financing.

Financing and Development

Representing client in financing and development of commercial and residential properties.

Residential Developments

Representing client entities in the acquisition, development and sale of residential developments in the greater Boise area, including financing.

Accomplishments

Academic

Boise State University (B.B.A., 1975)

Magna cum laude

Stanford Law School (J.D., 1982)

Professional

Best Lawyers in America – Real Estate Law and Litigation 15 years running

Named 2016 Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" in Boise for Real Estate

Named 2022 and 2024 Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" in Boise for Litigation - Real Estate

Chambers USA – Real Estate, Idaho

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating

Mountain States Super Lawyers – Real Estate Law

Insights

Credentials

Licensed

Idaho

Education

Stanford Law School